Is it possible for a locksmith to fix my ignition?

It is possible for a locksmith to fix your ignition. We suggest, however, that if your key is stuck in the ignition of your car, your ignition needs repair or replacement. As with everything, these parts suffer wear and tear and require upkeep to remain in working condition.

Perhaps, if your key is stuck in the ignition of your car and won't turn, you'd like first to try to fix the problem before you call a mobile locksmith. Though a locksmith can help you out when you're in this kind of situation, it's possible that you don't have the funds to pay for it, or you are a do-it-yourself kind of person and want to try to successfully remedy your situation first. In any case, if you have success and are able to restart your car, do get the ignition checked by a professional to prevent the worst thing from happening; your car shutting off while you're driving down the highway because the ignition slipped into the wrong position.

The following approach to getting your car started again (if jostling the key did not work) is to "bump" the key. To do this you're going to need a few tools. Tri-Flow lubricant and a tool that has a rubber or soft surface. A few words on lubricants. Please do not use WD40 as this product is not designed for such a delicate system as your tumblers and wafers. This product can serve to only make matters worse in the long run since it can collect on the surface, attracting dust and glue up your system. We suggest you use something called Tri-Flow which is what most locksmiths use.

First, you will spray a little bit of Tri-Flow inside the lock cylinder. Then, put your car key only partly into the ignition lock. With the tool that you have, "bump" the key into the ignition carefully. It's called a bump because that is all you are doing. YOu are not slamming, forcing, striking the key. After all, you don't want to break your key also and create another problem!

Check to see if the key will turn.

If not, we recommend you call your local locksmith to try their remedies. As we mentioned, once you've started your car you will want to take it into a mechanic to permanently repair the ignition and lock.